Li Mei was finally free, but the weight of Zhao Chen's death and the injustice she had suffered lingered in her heart. As she walked through the bustling streets of the imperial city, she pondered her next steps. The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the buildings and streets, yet she felt a chill within her soul.
The system's familiar chime interrupted her thoughts:
"New Mission: Rescue Your Long-Lost Sister. Location: Red Lantern Brothel. Details: Imminent Danger. Rewards: Increased System Points and Enhanced Abilities."
Li Mei's heart skipped a beat. Her sister, who she had believed lost forever, was alive—and in peril. She remembered her sister's laughter, her gentle smile. They had been separated during a raid on their village years ago, and Li Mei had feared the worst ever since.
The urgency of the situation propelled Li Mei forward, her feet moving swiftly toward the Red Lantern Brothel. She navigated through the maze of alleys and narrow streets, her determination growing with each step.
As she approached the brothel, its garish red lights cast eerie shadows on the cobblestones. The sounds of revelry and laughter echoed from within, a stark contrast to the darkness she knew awaited her sister.
Li Mei slipped inside, blending into the crowd of patrons and performers. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of her sister. Her heart pounded in her chest as she made her way through the throng of people, the system guiding her with quiet, reassuring updates.
Finally, she caught sight of a familiar face—her sister, Mei Lin, trapped in a private chamber upstairs. Five men surrounded her, their intentions clear in their predatory stances. Li Mei felt a surge of anger and fear, her body tense with the need to protect her sister.
The system chimed again: "Activate Stealth Mode. Disarm and Neutralize Targets. Rescue Mei Lin."
Li Mei took a deep breath, focusing on the system's instructions. She activated the stealth mode, feeling a cloak of invisibility wrap around her. The shadows seemed to bend around her, and she moved silently through the room, approaching the chamber where her sister was held.
With calculated precision, Li Mei disabled each man, one by one. She used her cultivation skills to manipulate the energy around her, rendering them unconscious without a sound. Her movements were fluid and deadly, a testament to her training and the system's guidance.
As the last man fell, Li Mei rushed to Mei Lin's side. Her sister was trembling, tears streaming down her face. Li Mei wrapped her arms around her, holding her close.
"It's okay, Mei Lin. I'm here," Li Mei whispered, her voice choked with emotion.
Mei Lin clung to her, her body shaking with sobs. "I thought I'd never see you again, Li Mei. I was so scared."
Li Mei held her sister tightly, tears welling in her own eyes. "You're safe now. I won't let anything happen to you."
The system chimed softly, acknowledging the mission's completion: "Mission Accomplished. Rewards: 50 System Points, Enhanced Strength, and Improved Stealth Abilities."
Li Mei guided her sister out of the brothel, moving carefully through the shadows. Once outside, she took a moment to assess their surroundings. The night air was cool against her skin, and the city seemed quieter now, as if acknowledging their escape.
As they made their way to a safe house Li Mei had discovered earlier, Mei Lin recounted her story. After their separation, she had been taken and forced into servitude at the brothel. She had spent years in fear, waiting for a chance to escape.
Li Mei listened, her heart aching for her sister. "I promise you, Mei Lin, I'll do everything I can to keep you safe. We'll start a new life together."
Mei Lin nodded, gratitude and relief in her eyes. "Thank you, Li Mei. I knew you would find me."